Wisconsin today becomes the 49th state to have a law on the books legalizing concealed guns. It’s a law that Jim Fendry of the Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement has been working for, for years. “There is a positive factor, and that is that it makes the criminals think a little more, and may very well be contributing to why we’re having a massive decline in crime nationwide,” said Fendry. “Two things are evident. One, nothing bad is happening. No other state is trying to restrict it, much less repeal it. In fact, they’re tending to make it more liberal. So there isn’t a negative factor involved.” Illinois is now the only state that doesn’t allow concealed carry.
Jeri Bonavia is one of the main opponents of the new law. She says at least provisions were added to require training and a permit. “We’re glad that they made those changes, but it doesn’t give us that much comfort, given that the training element is really kind of a joke,” she said. Bonavia, who heads Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, said people will be able to meet training requirements on-line, and she doesn’t think that’s an adequate protection.